2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Monday, March 31, 2014

Do you all remember the review I did last year of the Six Sisters' Stuff cookbook. If you don't, please go back and take a look as I literally fell in love with it. Not only is it a cookbook but it is also jam packed with tips and hints as you shop for your family. So when I was offered the chance to review the new one, A Year With Six Sisters' Stuff, I jumped at it!! This is full of menu ideas for all year, delicious recipes and ideas on how to bring the family together for meals.

I was able to use several recipes in the time I reviewed this. But believe me, I will be trying out many more as there are so many that look great. On family night we made these little casserole muffins and I decided to do the Slow Cooker Roasted Vegetables.

This makes sure that the children get in the veggies they need and I was hoping they would eat more. Directions are easy to follow and for this recipe, it was very quick. Basically throw it all in the crock pot and let it simmer for several hours. Their recipe called for carrots, potatoes onion and zucchini. I also added some peppers and broccoli. This literally simmered in the crock pot for quite a while.

I started it in the morning and let it cook all day. I think they turned out pretty good but I think next time I will hold out on the zucchini and squash until an hour or so before the meal. They were very tender, almost falling apart. But otherwise, it turned out great!! The kids liked the different veggies and the italian seasoning made it taste good.

Now I also made two other recipes from this book. For dinner Saturday night I was cooking up ribs in the slow cooker and decided to make the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and the Slow Cooker Baked Beans as sides. I had one minor problem though, since I was cooking the ribs in the crock pot I had to do the beans on the stove. But I did them just like I was making them in the slow cooker and let them simmer on the stove for hours.

Here is the funny thing. I made the ribs, the cheesy ranch potatoes and the baked beans. After dinner a vote was taken and the favorite part of the meal was the cheesy potatoes!! These turned out super and next time I will have to double the recipe.

We had a guest for dinner that night and with everything the potatoes were gone, no more, vanished! They were eaten very quickly. And even the beans were enjoyed. One of the males in the family asked what brand they were as they tasted so good. Imagine the surprise when I said they were a generic brand:) Just had some extras thrown in and voila! Simmered all day to taste like something from a BBQ restaurant.

So, interested in purchasing this book for yourself? I plan on using it all the time and I love the way you can separate a recipe, use the whole menu for the day, or even for the year. LOVE THIS BOOK!! I could see giving it to newlyweds, moms who have been cooking their whole lives and just want some down to earth recipes, or pretty much anybody. I think even guys could make some of these:)

The giveaway below is being hosted by the publisher and it is through all the blogs. But with a 10 book giveaway, it is definitely worth it. If you don't win this book, I would urge you to pick it up elsewhere. An amazing book filled with delicious recipes!!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

As summer draws to a close Jocie's world seems serene--but is it just the calm before a storm?

Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure--they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.

The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl,Scent of Lilacs, and Orchard of Hope. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

MY THOUGHTS- Welcome back to Hollyhill in this new novel, Summer of Joy. If you have read the first book, The Scent of Lilacs, then you will recognize all the players as old friends. If you have not had the pleasure of reading the first one, I would urge you to as it may be difficult to keep track of everyone or toe realize what is going on at first. This is a book I found a little difficult to get into. Ann Gabhart writes some interesting characters but I almost felt like there were too many to keep track of. It is small town America for sure and you see the quirky characters who make up this town as they grow, marry, and yes even get upset at each other.

My favorite character was Jocie. She is so unassuming and yet so grown up. Working with her father at the newspaper office and getting to do interviews with people has made her older than her 14 years of age. I really liked her the most but I also liked Wes. He is very quirky with all his alien and earth talk but cute. Okay, maybe cute isn't the right word but he sure is sweet:) I disliked Adrienne but I guess at the end you see her life and why she made the choices she did. You also see the consequences of those choices. There are some funny parts in here but a lot of it is serious. Not quite depressing but we see how life was back then. Overall a good book that I enjoyed.

**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Hey readers!! Today I have a new author to introduce to you all. Deborah Malone has graciously offered a copy of her new book, Terror on Tybee Island, to one of my blog readers. And I am sure after you hear about the book, many of you might even want to go out and purchase it for yourself. You all know how much I love a good mystery:)

Thank you for being with us today, Deborah!!

Thank you for having me!

How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

Even as a child I thought of writing a book.

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?

Here is the back cover to Terror on Tybee Island – A homeless cat. A diamond bracelet in the
moonlight. A corpse buried in the dunes. Strolling on the beach one moonlight
evening, Trixie Montgomery stumbles on a body buried in the sand. Full time
historical writer and part time amateur sleuth, she waves bon voyage to her
relaxing vacation, and becomes entangled in the search for who-done-it. With
best friend, Dee Dee Lamont, in tow, the duo springs into action when Trixie’s
beloved aunt Nana goes missing as she closes in on the killer. Who’s taken
Nana, and how will the girls save her from becoming the next buried treasure in
the pirate’s booty? Smell the salty breezes, and savor the delicacies
fresh-from-the-sea in Terror on Tybee
Island, a seaside cozy mystery from popular author, Deborah Malone.

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want
them to come away with?

I don’t have any deep messages in my books. I want them to
be able to come home from a hard day’s work or from a stressful day and be able
to take a few minutes and read a clean, funny book that will make them forget
about stress. There are themes throughout them, but nothing preachy.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical
monument, overseas, etc?

There are several places but if somebody asked me right
now where I’d like to go I guess I’d say Hawaii.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

Hmmm, I think it would be my mother and father who have
already passed from this earth. I’d love to have just a little more time with
them and let them know how much I loved them.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?

That’s easy – HistoricalJ

Do you have a favorite hobby?

I am an amateur photographer

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

My dad was
from Opelika, AL and my mother was from Cincinnati, OH. It’s so true when they
say opposites attract. My dad had moved there to work for General Electric.
While they were there they had my two older brothers, Bill and Curtis. In the
early 1950’s they moved to north Georgia where my dad was transferred to work
at GE. I wonder sometimes how I would have turned out if we’d stayed in Ohio –
I’d be a *&^% YankeeJ This past summer we had a reunion of twelve cousins
in Cinn on my mother’s side. Some I hadn’t seen for 40 years. It was so much
fun!

My mother had RA (rheumatoid arthritis), but Dad never missed
a church service taking us kids to church.
I have had my ups and downs with my faith, but I’ve never given up on
God. I’ve come to the conclusion there are some things we will not have the
answers to while on this earth. And that is alright – in Pro. 3:5 we are told
to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding.” That is the verse Trixie holds on to in “Death in Dahlonega.”

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

Write and the write some more. If you don’t get the words
on paper then you don’t have anything to work with. Of course read books, go to conferences and
most of all don’t give up no matter how long it takes.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

MY REVIEW-Susan May Warren is one of those authors you can pick up and read again and again. This new novel, It Had To Be You, is part of the Christiansen Family series but if you have read any of her other books, you just might recognize some of the characters. They go all the way back to the Deep Haven series:)

This book is about Eden Christiansen. Her whole family seems to be gifted or have some sort of talent, except her. She is the cheerleader, the one who stands on the sidelines and helps others. Her brother Owen is an up and coming hockey star who is following in the footsteps of bad boy enforcer, J Hammer. But as much as Eden vows to stay away from Jace Hammer, he somehow ends up helping her out of trouble, time and again. I really liked the character development of Eden. You see her grow and change. There was one part with Owen that kinda threw me off. I guess you don't expect things overnight and with him it was abrupt. Sorry to be vague but I don't want to give anything away.

One of my favorite parts is when Eden is talking to Jace about your life as a Christian. And the things she said(okay, what Susan Warren wrote) really stuck with me. Enough that I want to share a little bit of it with you as I end. Maybe it will be a help to someone. Just let it sink in. Really sink in.

"You are God's child, and that means He's crazy about you. And that doesn't change because you do something stupid- or even do something terrible. God's love simply is. We can't sin it away- our only option is to accept it or reject it."

This is a sponsored post as part of the Seventh Generation Campaign to make people more aware of toxins. The facts included below are from Seventh Generation but all thoughts and views are 100% my own.

As a blogger, I am often given the choice to write about new products or a new deal or coupon I think my readers might be interested in. But it doesn't often come up where I am given the opportunity to speak about something near and dear to my heart. And that is one of the many reasons I love blogging. The Toxin Freedom Fighters campaign is something I stand behind fully. And with the situation, I figured many of you would want to stand with all the others who have signed the petition. I signed it and I am sure you will too once you see what we are trying to get done.

Do you know how many toxins and harmful chemicals are in the products you use every day? Take a look at the following statistics and think about them for a few minutes.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT OF THE 85,000 SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS INTRODUCED INTO THE MARKET SINCE THE TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT WAS PASSED IN 1976, THE EPA HAS REQUIRED TESTING ON LESS THAN 10%?SCIENTISTS HAVE LINKED EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS TO MANY HEALTH RISKS, SUCH AS CANCER, ALZHEIMER'S, LEARNING DISABILITIES, ASTHMA, BIRTH DEFECTS AND VARIOUS REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not one of those who thinks we should be so strict on everything and be on the lookout for anything that could be slightly wrong. I believe we need to have a balance in this, as we do in most things. But when the chemicals aren't even being tested and then we are using them around our families and in our homes, I think we need to take a stand. Think about it, in an average day a mother will clean her kitchen counters, bathroom counters, the table, maybe even toys from the toy box, and yet do we really know what chemicals we have just exposed our children to?

Seventh Generation is working to push a reform on TSCA(the Toxic Substances Control Act) so that all these chemicals would be tested and evaluated. They are trying to get 100,000 signatures that will then be presented to congress this April 30th. So please, take the time to run over to the Toxin Freedom Fighters website and sign the petition. It won't take long at all, and hey, you just might learn some more. Believe me, there is plenty more over there but I wanted to give some facts and then let you decide. Below are a couple questions to just get you thinking. Leave a comment below and chime in with your thoughts.

What kinds of products were you surprised to learn about?!
Was this news shocking to you?!
Do you see some things under your sink that you’re not so conﬁdent
using anymore?!
Do you feel more at risk now that you have this information?!
How are you going to share this knowledge with friends and family?

**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

If you want to make your mark on the motoring world, you
need to be shopping at your local dealership for a Jaguar in Lexington, KY.
However, you already knew that, didn't you? You drooled over the 2014 XK
Convertible for months. Just to keep that drool forming and to solidify your
decision to make your mark on the motoring world, read on to learn more about
this beauty of an automobile.

Power

One of the most exciting features about this automobile is
the power under the hood. You can choose from a few different models of V8
engines with anything from 400 horsepower to 550 horsepower with the 6-speed
transmission driving you forward. Speaking of a killer 6-speed, do you know
what a transmission with six speeds does for an automobile? Well, 5-speed
vehicles (which is the standard transmission type) max out at 45-55 miles per
hour, meaning when you are in fifth gear your engine is left to work harder as
you go faster. When you add another gear into the transmission, your engine
doesn't have to work as hard, your rpm's go down, and you get better gas
mileage. Hey, you care about gas mileage even with the reckless abandon of high
horsepower.

Beauty

While you are really crushing on the amazing power and
excitement when you push the pedal to the metal, the beauty and design lines of
the XK Convertible get your engine running as well. So, when you are shopping
for a Jaguar in Lexington, KY, you
can behold the leather interior complete with 10-way heated power seats,
touchscreen interface, navigation system, and power-operated fabric roof and
tonneau cover. With different upgrades you can change the look of your XK with
changes in wheel size, pin-striping, and spoiler size, among other options.
Your wish is Jaguar's command as you decide which of the options equates to
ultimate aesthetic beauty. Then, before you know it, you will be adjusting your
heated driver's seat, putting the top down, and cranking your favorite cruising
music as you rev up the powerful engine and enjoy the ride. Make your mark on
the automotive world, indeed.

This is a sponsored post from Bucks2Blog for the enjoyment of my readers.

**DISCLOSURE:This is a sponsored post from Bucks2Blog for the enjoyment of my readers. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Hello all! The past couple weeks I have introduced some authors to ya'll. Some of them may be new to you and some may be old friends. Well, today I have an author who is well known for her Shaker books. Anyone know who I am talking about? Oh right, it is up top there too;) May I welcome Ann Gahbart!! Ann is one of those authors who really pulls you in to her beautiful stories and makes you think about other times and places. Her newest one, Summer of Joy, is in my TBR pile and my review will be posted later this week. Be sure to check it out when it goes live! This one is set in small town America and I am sure you will enjoy it. And did I mention that one of you will win your own copy? Yep, just enter through the Rafflecopter form at the bottom!

Chasing the Writing
Dream through Rejection Valley and Beyond

By
Ann H. Gabhart

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so big, so
impossible that you were almost afraid to admit you were thinking it? That’s
how I was when I was a kid and first decided I wanted to be a writer. I had no
idea how I was going to make that happen. I just knew I wanted it more than
anything and I was willing to chase the dream to try to make it happen. I have
a healthy dose of stubbornness that has served me well as a writer through the
years as I’ve persevered and continued writing even when things weren’t going
well.

After publishing thirteen books in the general
market, I hit a low point in my writing life and began a long trudge through Rejection
Valley. I wrote book after book with no success. One rejection letter included
the not so encouraging note that there wasn’t anything wrong with my story but
nothing really right about it either. Sigh. Things got so tough that I began to
wonder if I should give up writing and find a job that came with a regular paycheck
instead of working at writing with only the glimmer of hope of perhaps getting
paid. At that time, the glimmer was getting pretty dim.

But I couldn’t quit. Writing is part of who I am.
So I decided to write at least one more book. Since it was more than obvious I
wasn’t cornering any markets, I decided to write the book I wanted to write
instead of one I thought an editor might like. I came up with a story about a
young girl and her father, a small town newspaper editor during the week and a
preacher of a country church on Sundays. The characters and story are
completely fictitious, but the background and setting came straight from what I
remembered about my little hometown in the Sixties.

Jocie turned out to be a great character who
sprang right to life in my imagination, and it was pure writer’s luck that Wes
fell out of a Jupiter spaceship as he was passing over Hollyhill. Of course,
that’s just a story Wes makes up for Jocie, but his and Jocie’s Jupiter talk
adds a few smiles to the stories. I stirred in some more eccentric small town
characters including a crazy old aunt named Love who tries to keep Jocie in
line by quoting Scripture at her. But all is not as it seems in my little town
of Hollyhill or even with Jocie’s Aunt Love. While Jocie is bemoaning the fact
that nothing ever happens in Hollyhill, a whirlwind of discoveries suddenly
threatens everything she thought was true about her life.

As my characters came to life in my thoughts and
my heart, I was anxious and eager to tell their stories. Scent of Lilacs, my first Heart of Hollyhill book, snagged a loving
editor on its first trip out. And I stayed with my Hollyhill characters through
two more books. Orchard of Hope takes
place at the end of a long, hot summer as racial tensions swirl in Hollyhill.
Then the third book, Summer of Joy, has
the past coming to call on my Hollyhill family with challenges for their future.
Each of the books can be read as a stand-alone story, but I hope once readers
meet my characters, they’ll want to return to Hollyhill to experience more of
their small town life.

My years in Rejection Valley were discouraging,
but perhaps I needed that time to become a better writer and to discover the
stories I really wanted to write. I like writing inspirational fiction where I
can include my characters’ faith journeys in their stories. I feel blessed when
I write a scene and it just naturally connects with a Scripture verse or a
Bible story. I never wanted to be a preacher, only a writer. So I don’t preach
in my books, but I do hope readers will be able see the joy of Christian life
as they live the stories with my characters.

Do you like stories that include a character’s faith journey?

One of the things I found interesting was the question Ann asks at the end there. Do you like stories that include a character's faith journey? So for the giveaway, that is your question. For me, I really like seeing how a character grows and matures in their faith. Many times I find help and encouragement along the way. As we are all growing and won't stop until we reach Heaven, I am often blessed in reading books like this. Take a look at that cover there. Ready to enter for a copy? Go on ahead! You know you want to:)

This giveaway will end 4/9. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. US ONLY!!

I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student--he's a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.

I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.

One of my life's desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.

Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by "I'll be Home for Christmas", part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

MY REVIEW-Anyone who knows me will know how much I like Irish stories. And Elizabeth Ludwig knows how to write them. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Echoes of Freedom series and Tide and Tempest was no different. I actually think this one might have been my favorite. The book opens with an interesting start, was a little slow but then quickly sped up and kept me turning pages to finish it. Tillie is an immigrant from Ireland whose husband(Little twist in that but I don't want to spoil anything) dies on the crossing. She is now in New York City making bonnets and other millinery when Captain Morgan comes calling. He only tells her that he is checking up on her but you learn there is more to it. I really don't want to give anything away so I won't go into much more detail. But the characters were well written, the plot was interesting with lots of twists and turns, including a bit of mystery:) I can't wait to see what Elizabeth has up next!!

**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Friday, March 21, 2014

A little while ago we had a party and celebrated our Disney Side. I am sure some of you are asking, what is a Disney Side? Well, basically this is the part of you that enjoys Disney and can maybe even get a little goofy:) Yep, a little play on words there. But anyways, we had our party, even though the weather stopped some people from showing, and I wanted to show you some of our Disney Side!!

Needless to say, we all had a great time and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Okay, okay, the adults did too:) I think what surprised me the most was how much they liked being able to design the shirts. We are talking from ages 4-18. They loved it! Some really good designs too, in my opinion. Anyways, it was a lot of fun, quite cold with snow and I am glad we had it indoors. Leave a comment and let me know your favorite Disney park, character or movie. Our favorite happens to be Toy Story:) And our favorite park? Walt Disney World in Florida!!

**DISCLOSURE: I was given free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

How many of you use Ebay? I haven't really used it a whole lot but I have family members who use it on a daily basis. Let me tell you, when I browsed around, there are a ton of items just waiting for a new home on there! And not only is this a selling site, but you now can have collections. If you don't use Ebay much, I am sure you are asking what a collection is. In one sentence, it is a way to define who you are by the products you like. I made a collection of the books I like to read. Yep, #ImBornTo read:)

Now, this isn't just about making a collection though. This is also about March of Dimes. Everyone who curates a collection with the #ImBornTo hashtag that meets requirements will be entered in a $5,000 Ebay shopping spree!! And not only that, but for every collection that is made, meeting the requirements, Ebay will donate $1 to March of Dimes! This is definitely worth it in my book.

So, interested in making your own collection? This is super fun, super easy and who knows, just might mean super bucks to go shopping on Ebay:) I would sure enjoy that! If you want to get started, go to the Ebay Curate For A Cause page. And if you need more directions or you don't understand how it works, take a look there to see.

In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.

Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?

MY THOUGHTS-As a reader, one of the things I desire most in a book is characters that stand out. I don't want just a run-of-the-mill person. Don't get me wrong, I want them realistic, but I want them to be well written and fleshed out. And I believe Ruth Axtell has achieved that with her new book, A Heart's Rebellion.

As the book opens we meet two young ladies, Megan and Jessamine, who are participating in a London season. Jessamine is the main female character who is the daughter of a vicar and has been hurt by a wonderful man. Now if you have read Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell you will recognize several characters in here. Not the least of which is Rees, the man who Jessamine feels betrayed her. So now she sets out to prove to the world, and herself, that he hasn't hurt her and she can catch any man she wants.

The hero is Lancelot Marfleet. And let me tell you, at first I didn't care for him. He is far from your normal hero with the good looks or the great personality. I sympathized with Jessamine when she slapped him(yep, she gives him a good one across the cheek) or got frustrated with him. From the description he is somewhat plain with a long face and red hair, no charming wit or personality. But in time I grew to like him and I saw that what he lacked in social skills he made up for in loyalty, kindness and persistence. Of course, he also happens to be the one Jessamine does not like and can't stand. So when they get together, the sparks do fly!!

Overall this was an excellent book. Ruth Axtell is known for her regency books and if you want a good one, I would urge you to pick this one up. There is a little bit too much description at one point where some liberties are taken with a young lady but I don't feel they were overboard. When Jessamine is bent on destruction we see the consequences of that. I think it was handled quite well though. I am hoping maybe another one will be in store soon that includes these characters I came to know as friends. Well done Ruth!!

**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Monday, March 17, 2014

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.

ABOUT THE BOOK

There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town

People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss.

The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal.

The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows too much.

MY REVIEW-If you like eerie suspense stories, this is one you should definitely pick up. The book stars Jack Crittendon, which many of you will remember from the first book, who follows another lead on a new story. Taking his car to the local mechanic starts to unravel a mystery that is killing people on the other side of his town. Needless to say there is a lot of political fallout and his world is thrown upside down as he races to find out why so many are dying. This is an excellent book with well written characters. Loved it!!

**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**